If you’re in the market for used Chevy trucks, we’re sure you’ve been eyeing a number of Chevy Silverados. Fortunately, this is a great time to opt for a pre-owned variation of the nameplate. The fourth-generation of the pickup truck recently hit dealership lots, meaning the previous third-generation of the nameplate can now be had for a relative bargain. Sure, these vehicles are starting to get up there in age, but drivers will be impressed at how modern and durable these third-generation versions are. Plus, with owners trading in their third-generation Silverados for the newer fourth-generation Silverados, you should find plenty of the nameplates for sale.
Below, we’ve detailed the individual changes that came with each third-generation model year. That way, when it’s time to start shopping around for used Chevy trucks, you may have some idea of what model year works best for you…
2014
The brand unveiled the third generation of their beloved nameplate in time for the North American International Auto Show. Immediately, the public was enthralled by the 2014 Chevy Silverado, as the truck delivered a unique blend of performance, style, and technology that wasn’t especially common in that time.
For starters, the vehicle could be equipped with one of three different engine offerings. The 4.3-liter EcoTec3 V6 was the smallest of the bunch, but the system was still capable of packing quite the punch. Drivers could ultimately anticipate 285 horsepower and 305 pound-feet of torque from this unit, making it one of the most underrated options in the segment. The 5.3-liter Ecotec3 V8 engine took those performance specs to another level, promising drivers up to 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. Finally, for those seeking the utmost power, the 6.2-liter EcoTec3 V8 engine cranks out an incredible 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque.
The inside of the pickup was perhaps even more impressive. While customers had come to not expect a whole lot from pickup’s technological offerings, the 2014 Chevy Silverado did everything in its power to buck that trend. The vehicle was equipped with the modern MyLink system, which provided easy access to a host of options via the touchscreen unit. The USB ports allowed drivers to connect their smartphones, meaning they could enjoy all of their favorite tunes via the Bose premium audio system.
Finally, the steel/aluminum body helps to emphasize the nameplate’s ruggedness, while the variations also add some luxury to the ride. For instance, the High Country edition leads to an interior that’s adorned in brown leather, marking the first time the brand had tested the “luxury” segment.
While we’ve touted much of what the 2014 Chevy Silverado had to offer, you don’t even have to take our word for it. The nameplate ended up earning the Truck of the Year award at the 2014 North American International Auto Show. Considering how popular and renowned this particular nameplate was, it shouldn’t be too difficult to find this nameplate sitting around a used dealership’s lot. Plus, since the vehicle is now more than five-years-old, it shouldn’t cost you a whole lot of money!
2015
After the 2014 variation of the Silverado proved to be a hit, engineers predictably didn’t do a whole lot to shake up the nameplate in time for the 2015 model year.
Mechanically, that rugged 6.2-liter EcoTec3 V8 engine was now partnered with an intuitive eight-speed transmission, allowing drivers to better take advantage of everything their engine had to offer. This inclusion also helped to boost fuel efficiency, another reason why the nameplate established itself as one of the most versatile offerings on the market.
While the 2015 variation of the nameplate may not be all that different from the 2014 version, that shouldn’t be interpreted as a bad thing. Rather, the 2014 is a particularly popular model, so you may be hard pressed to find it sitting around a dealership lot. However, the similar 2015 model should be plenty easy to come across, and you’ll also experience significant savings by opting for this model year version.
2016
After playing it safe during the 2015 model year, Chevy slightly revamped the nameplate in time for 2016. This included the addition of a new grille, headlights, and front-end, while bright LED tail lights were added to certain versions of the pickup.
On the inside of the vehicle, drivers saw some additions to their Chevrolet MyLink system. HD Radio was added to the array of options, as was the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility. Thanks to these two latter inclusions, drivers cold easily connect their smartphone to the system, allowing them to perform many of their gadgets’ most basic functions. Some pickups were even equipped with wireless charging docks, meaning you could keep your smartphone juiced without having to deal with pesky, annoying wires.
Because of the improved technology, the 2016 Chevy Silverado may be a bit more expensive than the previous two model years. However, considering the fact that the vehicle is now pushing three years old, it still shouldn’t break the bank to purchase this pickup.
2017 + 2018
The 2017 Chevy Silverado saw mostly cosmetic changes, including the additions of paint colors like Graphite Metallic and Pepperdust Metallic.
There were also a handful of special edition variations of the nameplate, including a 100th-anniversary edition that celebrated the brand’s birthday. There were also popular offerings like the Redline version (which added a number of striking red accents) and the Black Out variation (which added an intimidating flair by adding all-black amenities to the pickup).
Furthermore, the brand released an eAssist mild-hybrid variation of the Silverado in 2017. Equipped with the 5.3-liter V8 engine, this special version of the nameplate was initially only available in California, Hawaii, Oregon, Texas, and Washington. In 2018, this technology was available nationwide, providing options for those seeking a cleaner pickup experience.
However, at the end of the day, neither the 2017 nor 2018 versions added many amenities or technologies. These two nameplates will predictably be more expensive than their older counterparts, and considering that these two versions don’t provide a whole lot of changes, it may be better to opt for the older (and less expensive) variations of the truck. Of course, on the flip side, the 2017 and 2018 variation of the Silverado should be in much better shape than their older counterparts.
Used Chevy Trucks For Sale
The 2018 model ultimately spelled the end of the road for the third-generation Chevy Silverado. The brand unveiled the fourth-generation of their pickup truck in late 2017 at the Chevy Truck Centennial Celebration Weekend. The brand also released their Chevy Silverado LD (Light Duty), providing a smaller, lighter option.
Of course, this isn’t a bad thing. Considering there’s a new generation of pickups on the market, the third-generation Silverado should be especially common and inexpensive. In other words, while you’d normally have to pay a pretty penny for a new version of the pickup, you’ll be able to appreciate the savings that accompany the used third-generation Silverado.
So now that you have more clarity on each of the third-generation model years, you should be better prepared to pursue used Chevy trucks. Head out to a local dealership today to see what model year they’ve got sitting around, and you could be driving off the lot in a used Chevy Silverado before you know it!
